rely

[riˈlʌɪ]

rely Definition

  • 1to depend on with full trust or confidence
  • 2to have confidence based on experience

Using rely: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rely" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I rely on my alarm clock to wake me up every morning.

  • Example

    We can rely on her to get the job done.

  • Example

    You can rely on him to keep a secret.

  • Example

    I don't rely on public transportation because it's often unreliable.

  • Example

    She relies heavily on her assistant to manage her schedule.

rely Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rely

  • trust
  • count on
  • bank on
  • depend on
  • believe in

Antonyms for rely

Phrases with rely

  • rely on/upon someone/something for something

    to depend on someone or something for a particular thing

    Example

    I rely on my car to get to work every day.

  • rely on/upon someone/something to do something

    to trust or depend on someone or something to do something

    Example

    I rely on my team to complete the project on time.

  • cannot rely on/upon someone/something

    to not be able to trust or depend on someone or something

    Example

    We cannot rely on the weather forecast to be accurate.

Origins of rely

from Old French 'relier', meaning 'to fasten'

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Summary: rely in Brief

The verb 'rely' [riˈlʌɪ] means to depend on with full trust or confidence, or to have confidence based on experience. It is often used in phrases like 'rely on/upon someone/something for something,' and 'cannot rely on/upon someone/something.' Examples include 'We can rely on her to get the job done,' and 'I don't rely on public transportation because it's often unreliable.'

How do native speakers use this expression?